VCU Heads to Quarterfinals After Win Over Cross Town Rival Richmond

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RICHMOND, Va. – VCU advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2014 Atlantic 10 Conference Women’s Championship after topping the University of Richmond 61-52 this afternoon in the Richmond Coliseum.

The Spiders (14-15) took the early lead after two three-pointers by Janelle Hubbard and four points from Kristina King to go up 10-9 in the first five minutes. The Rams (21-8) would respond with an 11-2 run to take the 20-12 edge at 10:21. Richmond cut that lead to six just as VCU posted a 14-5 run to top U of R 40-25 at intermission.

In the first stanza, the Rams offense outshot the Spiders 48.3percent - 30.8% and was led by Robyn Parks who recorded 11 points, shooting 3-of-9 from the field with five free-throws. Isis Thorpe added 10 points shooting 4-of-5. King posted 10 points for the Spiders shooting 4-of-7.

VCU kept their momentum for the majority of the second half before a 19-5 run that would bring the Spiders within four points at 56-52 with 1:44 remaining in regulation. The Rams would hold on, however, to take the first round, 61-52 victory.

Parks finished the day with 17 points and nine boards for the Rams alongside Jessica Pellechio who added 14 while Thorpe tallied 10. The Spiders’ King had a game-high 24 points as Hubbard picked up 13 points. Genevieve Okoro notched a game-high 14 rebounds.

VCU moves on to the second round to face #1 Dayton Friday, March 7 in the Richmond Coliseum. Tip-off is slated for 12:00 pm.